Hiyang Hiren Tanana, the traditional boat race festival, which is normally held two days ahead of the annual Mera Houchongba celebration, held at Thangapat, Wangkhei, Imphal East on 16th October 2013. All those taking part in the boat race were blessed by the titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba during a ceremony held at Sana Konung (Royal Palace)
Hiyang Hiren Tanaba and Mera Haochongba are the two most important festivals of Manipur which bind people of the valley with the hills. The two festivals has been celebrated in Manipur since 33 A.D., when Manipur was ruled by King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba.
Manipuri films actors also took part in this boat-race this time which was organized under the joint aegis of Thangapat Kanba Lup and Thangngapat Maintenance Committee.
Picture Credit :: Ashok Ninghtoujam